Question

According to the quote, how did Madison view direct democracy?

1) Direct democracy is a threat because there is no limit to the power of a majority. It could abuse the rights of people who do not agree with their views.
2) Direct democracy is not desirable because it is far too inefficient to be effective. People are too selfish and narrow-minded to focus on national needs.
3) Direct democracy should be incorporated at all levels of government to help ensure rule of law. Elected leaders would focus more on the public good.
4) Direct democracy should be included in the processes used by state governments. In this way, popular sovereignty is assured without the risk of chaos.

Answer 1

James Madison viewed direct democracy as a threat that could lead to abuse of minority rights and endanger personal security and property rights, favoring representative democracy as an alternative.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the quote, James Madison viewed direct democracy as a threat because there is no limit to the power of a majority, which could potentially abuse the rights of the minority or those who do not agree with them. Madison feared that direct democracy would lead to 'spectacles of turbulence and contention' and saw it as incompatible with personal security and the rights of property. The framers' hesitation towards direct democracy resulted in the United States favoring a representative democracy, where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf instead of enacting policies directly through votes by the entire electorate.